6 May, 2002

An ambitious range of goals has been set by the Government for the ICT taskforce established by the Minister for Information Technology today.

“The time frame for the group to identify a vision and strategy for the sector is tight and they will have full industry support in seeking to achieve it,” said the Executive Director of ITANZ, Mr Jim O’Neill.

“Industry will be looking in particular for the task force to identify existing barriers to growth of ICT in the economy and means of addressing them. It is essential that the group is outcome driven.

“Recognition by the Government that its dominant position in the working of the New Zealand economy means that high growth in the sector can only occur if it is fully committed to innovative policies that demand leading edge ICT would be a major step forward.

“It is for that reason we’re pleased to see that the task force is required to identify the role of government. We look forward to its recommendations.” - ends

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ITANZ represents the Information and Communications Technology industry of New Zealand; a business sector that generates combined annual revenues in excess of $11 billion. ITANZ members account for approximately 85% of this revenue and directly employ more than 30,000 people. Our aim is to maximize the economic and social potential inherent in these technologies to create advantages for all New Zealanders.

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